Stabilizing device for freestanding exercise devices

ABSTRACT

A stabilizing device for a freestanding exercise device having a frame configured to at least partially support said freestanding exercise device and comprising at least one crossbar member. The stabilizing device comprises a recess configured to receive a wheel or leg of a chair, and at least one friction pad coupled to an outer region of the crossbar member. In one embodiment, the friction pad comprises a support wall and a ramp. Further, the recess may extend laterally from the support wall to the first end of the friction pad.

CROSS-REFERENCE To RELATED APPLICATION

The application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/511,062, filed May 25, 2017, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The disclosure relates generally to exercise equipment, and more specifically, to a device used for stabilizing a freestanding exercise device.

BACKGROUND

There are various freestanding exercise devices currently available for exercising while sitting on a chair or other standalone seating. Pedal exercisers and mini-elliptical trainers are two examples of devices that can be used while seated. Further, example exercise devices designed to be used by a seated user are described in the following U.S. Published Patent Applications: U.S. Pat. No. 20160296791 A1, U.S. Pat. No. 20160325137 A1and U.S. Pat. No. 20170113094 A1. The described devices are similarly designed to be used while sitting on a standalone seat and are referred to hereinafter as freestanding exercise devices.

However, the forces applied by a user when using a freestanding exercise device tend to displace the exercise device and/or the seated user relative to one another. This is particularly true of pedal exercisers because the forces applied to rotate the pedals are applied only in an outward direction. Commonly, these forces are also well above the base of the exerciser, which can cause the exerciser to become unsteady, and thus to rock longitudinally and/or laterally. Similar issues tend to arise with mini-elliptical trainers, though to a lesser extent. An oscillating exerciser minimizes these issues as opposed forces are applied to the foot platforms, and that these forces are close to the base of the device. However, even in this case, the minimized issues caused by the forces can be an unwelcome distraction and detract from the usability of the exercise device.

What is needed is a device for anchoring the exercise device, eliminating any issues caused by the forces applied by the user.

SUMMARY

A stabilizing device for a freestanding exercise device comprises at least one friction pad defining a recess for receiving a leg of a chair. The stabilizing device may be mounted to a frame of a freestanding exercise device. Alternatively, the stabilizing device may comprises a frame to which the freestanding exercise device may be mounted or supported. In one embodiment, the friction pad comprises a support wall and a ramp. Further, the recess may extend laterally from the support wall to the first end of the friction pad.

In one embodiment, the friction pad is configured to couple to a first boss of the freestanding exercise device, or frame for a freestanding exercise device. In another embodiment, the stabilizing device includes a sleeve configured to receive a first extension (such a as a portion of the frame) of the freestanding exercise device, or frame for the freestanding exercise device. The stabilizing device may further comprise a second friction pad.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The present disclosure will now be described by way of example with reference to the following drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the stabilizing device according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged exploded isometric view of the stabilizing device according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged isometric view of the stabilizing device according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the stabilizing device according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the stabilizing device according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the stabilizing device according to an embodiment of the disclosure; and

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of the stabilizing device according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention provides a stabilizing device for anchoring an exercise device to standalone seating, to eliminate any issues caused by the forces applied by the user. In one embodiment, the wheels of a chair used by the user are placed within a recess of the stabilizing device, anchoring the chair to the exercise device. In another embodiment, the legs of a chair used by a user are placed within the recess, anchoring the chair to the exercise device.

In one embodiment, a stabilizing device for a freestanding exercise device includes friction pads 10 fixed, either permanently or temporarily, to a frame 21. The frame 21 may be an element of the freestanding exercise device or the exercise device may be mounted to the frame. Each pad 10 may feature a recess 11 defined as a valley between abutments running laterally along its upper surface. In various embodiments, the recess 11 may be configured to receive a chair support—e.g., a wheel of a rolling chair and/or a leg of a non-rolling chair. For example, one or more dimensions and/or a shape of the recess may be formed to receive a wheel and/or leg of a chair. Further, in various embodiments each friction pad further comprises a ramp 12 extending rearward from the rearmost abutment and a support wall 13 that extends longitudinally along the inner edge of each friction pad 11. In one or more embodiments, the friction pads are preferably made of a rubber material or a rubber-like material.

The front wheels of a rolling chair may be positioned within the recess of a friction pad to prevent the chair from rolling relative to the exercise device when force is applied by a user on the exercise device. The ramps 12 facilitate rolling a chair's wheels up over the rearmost abutment, and into the recesses 11. The support walls 13 may be configured to provide some structural support and/or rigidity to the friction pads. For example, the support walls 13 may provide structural support and/or rigidity to the friction pads when a wheel is rolled up the corresponding ramp and when the when the exercise device is moved. Further, in various embodiments, the support walls also function as stops preventing the wheels from rolling laterally in the event they turn sideways. Additionally, the front legs of a non-rolling chair can similarly be placed in the recesses thus preventing the chair from sliding around relative to the exerciser.

In various embodiments, the friction pads are fixed to the frame (e.g., frame 21) of the exercise device and the weight of the user is indirectly transferred to the frame thus preventing the device from moving. This additional weight also helps to steady pedal-based and mini-elliptical exercise devices.

Turning now to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the stabilizing device 100. As is illustrated, two wheels of chair 40 are positioned within recesses 11 of corresponding friction pads 10. In one embodiment, the friction pads 10 are coupled to an element of the frame 21. For example, the friction pads 10 can be coupled to an outer portion of lateral face 21 a of the frame 21. In one embodiment, the frame 21 further comprises lateral face 21 b, and longitudinal face 21 c. Lateral face 21 a may be disposed parallel to lateral face 21 b and longitudinal face 21 c may be disposed perpendicular to and coupled to lateral faces 21 a and 21 b. In other embodiments, the frame 21 comprises additional lateral elements. In one embodiment, the frame 21 may be formed from a solid, continuous piece of material. In another embodiment, the frame 21 may be formed from multiple separate elements that are connected together. Further, the frame 21 may be part of or separate from oscillating exerciser 204. In one embodiment, the friction pads 10 are fixed to the frame 21 of an oscillating exerciser 20 along its rearmost edge.

In various embodiments, the length of longitudinal face 21 c is longer than that of lateral faces 21 a and 21 b. Additionally, the friction pads 10 may be coupled at positions along lateral face 21 a. For example, the friction pads 10 are positioned near either end of lateral face 21 a. Further, the friction pads 10 may be positioned an equal distance from each end of lateral face 21 a. Additionally, the friction pads 10 may be closer to the center of lateral face 21 a than either end of lateral face 21 a.

FIG. 2 shows an enlarged and exploded isometric view of an embodiment of the stabilizer device 100 showing the friction pads 10, recesses 11, ramps 12, and support walls 13. Also shown are the oscillating exerciser 20, the frame 21, and the friction pad bosses 22. In the illustrated embodiment, the friction pads 10 are configured to couple to the friction pad bosses thus coupling the friction pads to the lateral face 21 a of frame 21. Each friction pad 10 defines the recess 11 between upwardly-extending front and rear walls 8, 9, the recess 11 being dimensioned for receiving a wheel of a rolling chair or a leg of a non-rolling chair. The front and rear walls 8, 9 extend laterally. The support wall 13 extends longitudinally between the front and rear walls 8, 9. A ramp 12 extends rearwardly from each rear wall 9.

FIG. 3 shows an enlarged isometric view of an embodiment of the stabilizer device 100 showing one of the wheels of a rolling chair 40 resting in the recess 11 of one of the friction pads 10 fixed to the oscillating exerciser 20. Also shown is the ramp 12 and support wall 13. FIG. 4 is an isometric view of an embodiment of the stabilizer device 100 showing the front legs of a non-rolling chair 50 resting in the recess 11 of one of the friction pads 10 (the other front leg and friction pad are obscured by the chair).

FIG. 5 shows an isometric view of a stabilizing device 500 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention. The stabilizing device 500 comprises a friction pad 10 and a crossbar member sleeve 14. In this embodiment, the crossbar member sleeve 14 is dimensioned and configured to receive an extension of a frame (e.g., frame 21) of an exercise device. Accordingly, the sleeve defines an internal socket dimensioned and configured to receive a laterally extending portion of the frame, such as a tube or rod having a circular-or square-shaped cross-section. Further, when the stabilizing device 500 is coupled to the frame by advancing the sleeve laterally onto the frame extension, it forms part of a stabilizing device (e.g., stabilizing device 100) for resisting relative longitudinal movement of the exerciser device and chair of the user.

FIG. 6 shows an isometric view of the stabilizing device 500 of FIG. 5 with the friction pads 10 fixed to the frame rear crossbar member 32 of a frame of a pedal exerciser 30 via the crossbar member sleeves 14. In one embodiment, the friction pads 10 are fixed to the crossbar member. In other embodiments, the friction pads 10 are removably coupled to the crossbar member. In the embodiment of FIG. 7, an isometric view of the stabilizing device 500 is shown. As is illustrated, stabilizing device 500 comprises friction pads 10 attached to the crossbar member 32 of a frame of a mini-elliptical exerciser 31 via the crossbar member sleeves 14. In one embodiment, the friction pads 10 are fixed to the crossbar member.

In various embodiments, a stabilizing device 100 comprises at least two friction pads (e.g., friction pads 10) each of which is fixed (permanently or temporarily) to one of the rear outermost extents of the frame of a freestanding exercise device (e.g., as illustrated in the embodiments FIGS. 1-4). In such embodiments, the friction pads are fixed to the frame 21 of an oscillating exerciser 20 via the oscillating exerciser friction pad bosses 22. In one embodiment, each friction pad 10 features a recess 11 running laterally along its upper surface. The recess 11 may be sized to receive the wheels of a rolling chair 40 and/or the front legs of a non-rolling chair 50. Further, in various embodiments, each friction pad also has a ramp 12 extending reward from the recess. Furthermore, a support wall 13 may run longitudinally along the inner edge of each pad.

In other embodiments of the present invention, a stabilizing device 100 comprises at least two friction pads (e.g. friction pads 10), each of which includes a crossbar member sleeve 14 as shown in FIGS. 5-7. These sleeves may be sized to fit over an extension of a frame (e.g., frame 21). For example, the sleeves may be sized to fit over a crossbar member 32 of an exercise device (e.g., pedal exercisers 30 and mini-elliptical exercisers 31).

In various embodiments, when used with a rolling chair 40 the front wheels of the chair rest in the recesses 11 of the friction pads 10 (e.g., FIGS. 1.—3). To position a wheel of the chair within a recess, the wheels may be rolled up the ramps 12 and into the recesses. In various embodiments, the sides of the recesses, as well as any give in the material of the friction pads, assist in keeping the wheel substantially motionless within the recess. For example, the material, size and/or shape of the recess may make it difficult for a wheel to rotate horizontally as would normally happen when rolling a chair backwards. In the event the wheels do rotate horizontally the support walls 13 will assist in stopping the wheels from rolling laterally. Thus, through a combination of factors, the friction pads prevent the chair from rolling relative to the exerciser. The support walls may also provide some structure and rigidity to the pads. This helps keep the pads flat while rolling the wheels up the ramps. It also prevents the pads from flopping around when moving the exerciser. In other embodiments, the front legs of a non-rolling chair may be placed in the recesses thus preventing the chair from sliding around relative to the exerciser (e.g., FIG. 4).

In various embodiments, the friction pads 10 are fixed to the frame 21 of the exercise device, and the weight of the user may be indirectly transferred to the frame thus acting as an anchor, preventing the exerciser from moving across the floor. The extra weight also helps steady pedal and mini-elliptical exercisers.

In another embodiment, the friction pads 10 are fixed to the frame 21 of a freestanding exerciser through an extension of the frame (e.g., crossbar members 32). This is achieved by fitting the crossbar member sleeve 14 of each friction pad over either end of the rear crossbar member 32. In such an embodiment, the sleeve 14 also serves as a cap though the cap could also be a separate piece.

These and other advantages may be realized in accordance with the specific embodiments described as well as other variations. It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative, and not restrictive. Many other embodiments and modifications within the spirit and scope of the claims will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled. In the appended claims, the terms “including” are used as the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms “comprising” and “wherein.” Moreover, in the following claims, the terms “first,” “second,” and “third,” etc. are used merely as labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on their objects. 

What claimed is:
 1. A stabilizing device for a freestanding exercise device having a frame for supporting said freestanding exercise device, said stabilizing device comprising: at least one friction pad configured for attachment to the frame of the exercise device, the friction pad defining a recess between upwardly-extending front and rear walls, the recess being dimensioned for receiving a chair support.
 2. The stabilizing device of claim 1, wherein said front and rear walls extend laterally, and wherein said friction pad further comprises a support wall extending longitudinally between said front and rear walls, and a ramp extending from said rear wall.
 3. The stabilizing device of claim 2, wherein said recess extends laterally from said support wall to a first end of said at least one friction pad.
 4. The stabilizing device of claim 3, wherein said ramp extends parallel to said recess.
 5. The stabilizing device of claim 2, wherein said recess is disposed between said ramp and said frame.
 6. The stabilizing device of claim 1, wherein said recess is configured to receive a wheel of a rolling chair.
 7. The stabilizing device of claim 1, wherein said recess is configured to receive a leg of a non-rolling chair.
 8. The stabilizing device of claim 1, wherein said frame comprises at least one first lateral face and a second lateral face, wherein said first lateral face is disposed parallel to said second lateral face.
 9. The stabilizing device of claim 1, wherein said freestanding exercise device is an oscillating exerciser.
 10. The stabilizing device of claim 1, wherein said frame comprises at least one crossbar member.
 11. The stabilizing device of claim 10, wherein said at least one friction pad defines a sleeve configured to receive said at least one crossbar member.
 12. A stabilizing device for a freestanding exercise device, said stabilizing device comprising: a frame configured to at least partially support said freestanding exercise device and comprising a crossbar member; and at least one friction pad attached to the frame of the exercise device, the friction pad defining a recess between upwardly-extending front and rear walls, the recess being dimensioned for receiving a leg of a chair.
 13. The stabilizing device of claim 12, wherein said stabilizing device comprises a first friction pad and a second friction pad, each of said first and second friction pads being coupled to said crossbar member.
 14. The stabilizing device of claim 13, wherein said first friction pad is coupled at a first position along said crossbar member and said second friction pad is coupled at a second position along said crossbar member.
 15. The stabilizing device of claim 14, wherein said first position is proximate a first end of said crossbar member and said second position is proximate a second end of said crossbar member.
 16. The stabilizing device of claim 15, wherein said at least one crossbar member further comprises a third crossbar member coupled to said first crossbar member and said second crossbar member, said third crossbar member is disposed perpendicular to said first crossbar member and said second crossbar member.
 17. The stabilizing device of claim 16, wherein said third crossbar member is longer than said first crossbar member and said second crossbar member.
 18. The stabilizing device of claim 17, wherein said freestanding exercise device is mounted to said frame.
 19. The stabilizing device of claim 12, wherein said at least one friction pad and said frame are coupled via complementary first and second bosses and said least one friction pad and said frame. 